Clearwire, the Kirkland company that is building a nationwide wireless broadband network, said today that Chief Technology Officer Nick Kauser is retiring effective Aug. 1.

Clearwire

Nick Kauser

John Saw, the company's vice president of engineering, will step into the CTO position.

Kauser helped Craig McCaw start Clearwire and, in many ways, could be considered one of the earliest pioneers of wireless broadband technology.

Kauser held several positions at McCaw Cellular Communications, which later became AT&T Wireless. As chief technology officer there, he oversaw engineering and technology projects, network operations, long-range planning and evolution of the network, and support for network technologies.

While at AT&T Wireless, Kauser headed the company's fixed wireless initiative, called Project Angel. That could be considered the roots of what Clearwire has become today.

Said Clearwire CEO Ben Wolff:

"We're extremely grateful for the leadership and guidance Nick has provided over the years and are fortunate to be able to keep drawing from his wisdom as a member of our board. Clearwire has and will continue to benefit from his foresight in realizing the potential impact of a personal broadband network that is always on and always with the person."

Kauser, 67, will remain a member of Clearwire's board and will continue to advise the company on its international operations. He will also remain a principal of Eagle River, the investment arm of McCaw's operations.

Clearwire

John Saw

Saw, who will replace Kauser, has been with the company since it was founded in 2003, and was the chief architect in laying the foundation for Clearwire's network.

He has almost 20 years of experience in developing wireless networks and architectures, including stints at Netro (now SR Telecom) and at AT&T Wireless, where he worked under Kauser.

"John is truly a visionary when it comes to wireless broadband networks," Wolff said. "His innovative spirit and wealth of knowledge of wireless broadband networks will be invaluable as Clearwire continues to evolve and innovate in wireless broadband."